No foul play in Zubeen Garg’s death, say Singapore Police; await Coroner’s inquiry findings

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday issued an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding the death of singer and composer Zubeen Garg, and said the preliminary investigations have found no evidence of foul play.

“SPF does not suspect any foul play,” the statement, released by the SPF’s Public Affairs Department, said.

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According to the police, the case is being investigated under Singapore’s Coroners Act 2010, and the findings will be submitted to the State Coroner once the process is complete.

The Coroner will then decide whether to hold a formal inquiry to determine the cause and circumstances of Garg’s death, which occurred in Singapore in September this year.

“The SPF’s investigation, which may take up to another three months, is being conducted thoroughly and professionally,” the statement read, urging the public not to “speculate and spread unverified information.”

The police added that although the investigation is ongoing, a copy of the autopsy report and the SPF’s preliminary findings were shared with the High Commission of India in Singapore on October 1, 2025, at the Indian authorities’ request.

This move followed mounting public interest and official communication between the two governments over the singer’s passing away.

Zubeen Garg, 52, was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival when the tragedy struck. Reports indicate that he was swimming off Singapore’s Lazarus Island during a yacht gathering, organised as part of the “North East India Festival”, when he began feeling uneasy. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead.

In Assam, where Garg was a cultural icon, his death triggered an outpouring of grief and a growing wave of suspicion over the circumstances leading to the incident.

The Assam government subsequently ordered a second post-mortem after his body was brought back home and formed a judicial commission to examine the case further.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been set up to coordinate with Singapore authorities, seeking CCTV footage and other evidence relevant to the case.

While the SPF continues its inquiry, tensions remain high in Assam, with fans and civil society groups demanding justice.

The police statement, however, sought to calm the speculation, reaffirming their commitment to uncovering the facts. “We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved,” the SPF said, “as such investigations take time.”